Avalanche forecast

Mt Hood

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Sunshine and rising temperatures will weaken the surface snow and increase the likelihood that you can trigger a wet loose avalanche on sun-exposed slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Use caution on slopes receiving direct sunshine where you find wet snow surfaces. The possibility of wind slabs lingering at higher elevations near cornices and on midslope features still exists after a windy couple of days. Look for wind-stiffened or textured surfaces and steer around features over 35 degrees where you see wind accumulated snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Fresh snow deposited Sunday and Monday will react quickly to Tuesday's sunshine. It is possible that convective clouds may form at some point in the day which may slow the formation of wet loose avalanches.  However, the days are long and sunshine is likely.  When the sun breaks out in your part of the mountain,  the potential for wet loose avalanches will rise on very steep sunny slopes.  Wet loose avalanches may release naturally below steep rock faces that catch the sun.  If you see pinwheels or rollerballs,  or find yourself sinking into wet surface snow more than ankle deep,  move to lower angle or a shadier terrain. Trees beginning to shed snow or drip water are a clear sign that wet loose avalanches can be triggered.

    (3/27/2021) An example of a classic wet loose avalanche in the Mt. Baker Backcountry. Photo: Zack McGill

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Extreme west winds formed stiff wind slabs at upper elevations and formed slabs further downslope than you'd normally expect.  Avoid open slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you find freshly drifted and wind-stiffened snow. Look for these signs of wind slabs on midslope features and just below cornices. Give cornices a wide berth as you travel along ridgelines and be aware of the overhead hazard if traveling on slopes below large cornices. A cornice fall could trigger a slab avalanche on the slope below. Use can use small test slopes to gauge how the new snow has bonded to the old snow surface (likely the 3/28 melt-freeze crust).  

    Example from Mt Hood earlier this month. Winter returned Sunday night. Watch for shooting cracks in wind-stiffened snow. You may trigger a wind slab on nearby slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Sunday night's storm brought 6-12" of new snow that is generally well bonded to the melt-freeze crust from the weekend. Very little avalanche activity was observed Monday, but Tuesday will be a different story as the sun begins to shine and temperatures rise again. Upper elevation winds reached almost 100mph Sunday evening and likely scoured or compacted the snow in many typical start zones. Expect wind slabs to be midslope and in unusual locations. The wind-compacted snow at upper elevations will be slower to become weak in the sunshine.

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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